Yearly Physical Therapy Visits are Just as Important as Annual Cholesterol Tests

Yearly Physical Therapy Visits are Just as Important as Annual Cholesterol Tests

You know the drill: During your annual visit, your primary care physician will order a cholesteroltest. Combined with an assessment of health measures such as diet and exercise, the results ofthe cholesterol test will provide your physician with the information she needs to make arecommendation. If the results are positive, you might hear: “You’re doing great, keep doingwhat you’ve been doing!” If the results are unfavorable, then you’re more likely to be told: “I’dlike you to walk for 20 additional minutes each day and eat cholesterol-lowering foods likeoatmeal.”

Over time, high cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to form in your arteries, putting you in ahigh-risk category for heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the cumulative effects of poor postureor a muscular imbalance, for example, can take a toll on your body and inhibit your ability tomove properly. That’s where a physical therapist comes in: Annual PT “checkups” can catch themusculoskeletal problems that put you at risk for injury or limit your ability to function down theline.

One of the best tools in a PT’s prevention arsenal is the movement screen. By analyzing yourfundamental movements with a movement screen developed for their own practice or one thatrequires certification such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™), PTs can get a clearpicture of what the future will bring for you. Based on the information gathered, a physicaltherapist can help you safely reach your fitness goals and teach preventive strategies that can beincorporated into your daily life.

Of course, it’s best to schedule your checkup before you’re experiencing a problem. That way,your physical therapist can establish a baseline based on your functional level at that time anduse it to identify changes during subsequent annual visits. The effects of poor posture or amuscular imbalance may not be immediately apparent to you, but they will be to your PT.An annual “checkup” gives your PT an inside look at your musculoskeletal system, which iscomprised of your muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and other connectivetissues. It’s important that these essential internal structures are working together to support,stabilize and move your body.

Just as taking an annual trek to the primary care physician helps to monitor your cholesterollevels—and prevent heart disease—yearly physical therapy appointments allow your PT toidentify and address any changes in the way you move before they become something more.

Schedule your yearly PT exam with your favorite PT. Don't have one - we would love to meet you and see how we can help you reach all of your goals. Schedule here!